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Entertainment

Andrew McCarthy Details How Cheers Helped Him Get Sober

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Promo Andrew McCarthy and Son Sam

Andrew McCarthy credited Ted Danson’s classic sitcom Cheers with helping him get sober.

“I owe you a great, great debt, which you don’t know,” McCarthy, 63, told Danson, 78, on the Wednesday, May 20, episode of the “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” podcast.

McCarthy has previously opened up about seeking professional help for alcoholism at a Minnesota rehab center in 1992. (He once told London’s The Times that he would have landed in rehab “whether I was in the movies or not.” )

“In 1992, I was in an alcohol rehab in Minnesota,” he explained to Danson. “I was all played out. I was just 29 years old and I was just done. I’d made a mess of everything.”

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Promo Andrew McCarthy and Son Sam


Related: Andrew McCarthy: What I Learned From Walking 500 Miles With Son Sam

Putting in the miles. When Andrew McCarthy set out to travel across Spain by foot, he was “shocked” that his son, Sam McCarthy, was interested in tagging along. The father-son duo spent 31 days walking the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain — a 500-mile journey. “I did it a quarter century ago when I […]

McCarthy recalled that the rehab staffers were having trouble getting the patients to “bond as a unit” until they discovered that everyone wanted to watch Cheers reruns. (The NBC sitcom — which was set in a Boston bar called “Cheers” — originally aired from 1982 to 1993. Danson played barman Sam Malone in all 11 seasons.)

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“After all the counselors all went home, we would gather around and watch Cheers,” McCarthy said. “We would sit there and talk about people’s drinks, and how you [Danson] made the drinks … We totally bonded over the ‘alcoholic’ part of Cheers. That changed my life and I haven’t had a drink since.”

“Well done, may I say,” Danson congratulated McCarthy.

TSDCHEENB289 Andrew McCarthy Details How Cheers Helped Him Get Sober

Ted Danson, John Ratzenberger, Rhea Perlman on “Cheers.”
Courtesy NBC / courtesy Everett Collection

McCarthy previously explored the long-term impact of getting sober on the “Inside of You Host” podcast in 2023 when host Michael Rosenbaum asked if he still felt the urge to drink.

“Well, I certainly never think that,” he answered. “I think once you’re a pickle, you can’t ever become a cucumber again. I see my obsessive and compulsive qualities in other aspects of my life.”

The Pretty in Pink star remembered having “a moment” where he realized he had to completely change his life.

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“I was sitting in a hotel. … I was at the Peninsula Hotel [in Beverly Hills] because I was in a grandiose phase of blowing money,” he told Rosenbaum, 53. “I would spend lots of money so people wouldn’t think there was something going wrong.”

McCarthy continued, “I remember being up all night, having emptied my minibar. I just heard a voice say, ‘Andrew, you do whatever you want. I’m tired.’ It freaked me out. I literally was looking under the couch — ‘Who just said that?’”

“That [incident] just cut through to me and I made a call then and went and got help,” he concluded.

After McCarthy got sober in 1992, he was married twice — first to his college sweetheart Carol Schneider from 1999 to 2005 and he later tied the knot with writer and director Dolores Rice in 2011. He shares son Sam, 24, with Schneider as well as daughter Willow, 19, and son Rowan, 12, with Rice.

“Like most parents, I believe my children to be more dynamic, more charming, funnier, smarter, more perceptive and sensitive, more athletic, and more beautiful than other people’s children,” McCarthy wrote in a 2013 blog. “I love my children. At this moment they still adore us. It’s a lovely time of life.”

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Meghan Markle’s Airline Note Fuels UK Return Rumors

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Meghan Markle in Colombia

Meghan Markle took to social media to share a sweet anniversary tribute she received from a British Airways flight crew, sparking speculation that she and Prince Harry had secretly “returned” to the UK. However, the rumors have since been dispelled, with sources clarifying the story behind the note.

Harry and Meghan celebrated their eighth wedding anniversary on Tuesday, May 19, with the Duchess of Sussex sharing photos from their special day, notably without any members of his family featured.

The post comes amid online backlash Meghan recently faced following her trip to Switzerland, where many accused her of trying to “upstage” Kate Middleton, who had just completed a working trip to Italy.

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Meghan Markle in Colombia
¡dehoy! Agency / MEGA

Meghan took to her Instagram Story to share a sweet note she received from a British Airways flight crew in honor of her eighth wedding anniversary with Harry.

The letter, which seemingly featured several signatures and aliases from crew members, read, “Dearest Harry and Meghan, Wishing you a wonderful wedding anniversary, With love, The whole British Airways family.”

The flight crew signed off with the flight number “BA269” and the date May 18. In the accompanying caption, the former “Suits” actress thanked the crew for “all your memories and kind words,” while tagging the company’s account.

Meghan’s Post Sparks UK Return Speculation

However, Meghan’s post sparked quiet suspicion that she and Harry had returned to the UK for their anniversary celebration.

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That speculation turned out to be far from the actual events. A source clarified to PEOPLE that Meghan received the note on her flight back from Geneva, Switzerland, where she had delivered a speech at the Lock Screen Memorial calling on authorities to do more to protect children online.

“Meghan’s flight crew was so lovely on her way back from Geneva. They all came to say happy anniversary and shared their memories of where they were on the day,” a source told the news outlet, adding that the crew also gave treats to her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

In another photo, she shared a throwback of the two of them in penguin-themed costumes, standing side by side.

Meghan Markle And Kate Middleton’s Rift Resurfaces

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The last eight years have come with their fair share of ups and downs for Harry and Meghan, who relocated to California following their alleged fallout with members of the royal family.

One of the most talked-about tensions reportedly involved the Netflix star and her estranged sister-in-law, Kate Middleton. Claims surfaced that a 2018 disagreement over bridesmaid dresses left the Princess of Wales in tears ahead of Meghan’s wedding to Harry.

Meghan has previously claimed that Kate later apologized over the incident. However, sources have alleged that the damage had already been done and that Meghan’s frosty relationship with the future queen took a negative toll on her time inside the palace, especially as Kate was often viewed as the more favored of the two.

Meghan Accused Of Trying To Upstage Kate

Princess Kate and Meghan Markle
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Meghan recently faced accusations of trying to upstage and outshine Kate on the global stage after she delivered an address in Switzerland calling for more action to stop rising online child exploitation and digital violence.

Before Meghan’s trip, Kate had traveled to Reggio Emilia in northern Italy for a two-day visit to learn about the region’s famous approach to early childhood development and promote her work on the subject, which has often been described as her “life’s work.”

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Some internet users alleged that Meghan’s appearance at the event was staged, citing photos that appeared to show her speaking to a near-empty audience. Others claimed the trip was arranged by her PR team to “counter the Princess of Wales.”

Harry And Meghan Markle Questioned For ‘Half In, Half Out’ Approach

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arriving at Euston Station
Will / Mark MEGA

Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan have sparked renewed interest in their “half in, half out” royal arrangement, with experts suggesting the setup has shown they remain popular, even as it continues to leave palace higher-ups unsettled.

“There is a huge difference between what the monarchy has to offer and what Harry and Meghan are currently doing,” royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital. “This was underlined by King Charles’ highly successful state visit to the United States and Princess Catherine’s two-day visit to Italy, her first official trip in over three years.”

“However, in attempting to have something similar to the ‘half-in, half-out’ position within the royal family, which Queen Elizabeth rejected, the Sussexes have shown that their brand still gets huge amounts of publicity,” he added.

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Race For The Next Pamela Anderson In ‘Baywatch’ Is On

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Pamela Anderson on Baywatch

There’s a new “Baywatch” series in the works, with two stunning cast members hoping to fill Pamela Anderson‘s sexy shoes.

The actress gained international recognition for her role as “C.J.” Parker on the drama series in the 90s, making her one of the most revered sex symbols of her time.

Pamela Anderson’s impacts remain to date, with rising stars Brooks Nader and Livvy Dunne allegedly vying to become the new C.J. in the series reboot.

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Pamela Anderson on Baywatch
©1996 RAMEY PHOTO/ MEGA

Although Anderson is yet to choose a protégé to take her place in the “Baywatch” franchise, Nader and Dunne have reportedly taken it upon themselves to continue her legacy. The pair are part of the new cast for the series reboot and allegedly want to fill Anderson’s shoes.

Sources claim Nader and Dunne have been openly discussing the “next Pam Anderson” at different points during production. These talks have reportedly caused a noticeable shift in the air between them, with one source telling TMZ:

“There’s been some tension between the two.”

Apparently, Nader is focused on making the reboot her own show and appears in almost every episode. On the other hand, Dunne is reportedly featured in three episodes. The alleged tension between them seemed to show when Nader and Brooks posed together for a red carpet appearance.

Nader Seems Conscious Of Her Speculated Rival

Brooks Nader and Livvy Dunne at the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Launch Party
John Fycke/AdMedia / MEGA

Nader and Dunne made a joint appearance at a red carpet event for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, where they posed together for the cameras. Nader seemed conscious of how the photographers focused on Dunne and drew their attention to her by asking them to capture her good side.

Nader has been vocal about how much the “Baywatch” reboot means to her, telling PEOPLE in March that she was “bawling, crying” after wearing the iconic onesie. “It’s such a full-circle moment,” she began, explaining that she had donned a red one-piece on her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover.

The coincidence made Nader feel like her part in the reboot was “a long time in the making.” She added that her family felt the same way, claiming they had burst into tears after she FaceTimed them in her red swimsuit. “It’s such a big moment, and I’m so honored to be a part of it,” Nader gushed.

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Brooks Nader Plays A Key Role In The Reboot

Brooks Nader at 'Amarga Navidad' (Bitter Christmas) screening during the 79th Cannes Film Festival
KCS Presse / MEGA

The “Baywatch” reboot is reportedly set to debut as part of Fox’s 2026-2027 season, bringing the nostalgia with Hobie Buchannon (played by Stephen Amell) taking up his father’s legacy. The plot follows Hobie’s discovery of a daughter he never knew he had.

The child, Charlie (played by Jessica Belkin), shows up at his doorstep to become a part of the legendary lifeguards alongside her father. However, her arrival further escalates the tension brewing between Hobie and Nader’s character, Selene.

The media personality’s character is described as “the sharp-tongued Captain of the Zuma beach lifeguards” who has a different approach to saving lives than Hobie. Nader is reportedly set to be a season regular with Dunne playing a character named Grace.

Livvy Dunne Raves About Her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Achievements

Livvy Dunne at the 58th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards
Casey Flanigan/imageSPACE / MEGA

Besides fighting to become the new Anderson, Nader, and Dunne have another thing in common. The pair have graced the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues, with Dunne achieving the incredible milestone of four years featured in the magazine.

She raved about the achievement at the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit launch party in New York City, saying, “The fact that they keep asking me back — I’m just so flattered.” Dunne added that she felt honored to have a place among the other stunning cover girls.

The former Louisiana State University gymnast wasn’t alone in her pride, as her boyfriend, Paul Skenes, couldn’t be happier. Dunne described him as her biggest supporter, claiming he always loved seeing her SI Swimsuit pictures.

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Pamela Anderson Called Out ‘Baywatch’ Movie Producers For Bullying

Pamela Anderson arriving at her hotel during Paris Fashion Week
Spread Pictures / MEGA

Before the “Baywatch” reboot, Paramount revived the beloved franchise with a 2017 movie featuring stars like Dwayne Johnson. In 2023, Anderson reflected on the project and why it became a thorn in her side while speaking to Variety.

Anderson revealed that producers wanted her to make a cameo in the movie, but they did not want to pay her for it. “There was just so much bullying to do it. They wanted me to do it for free, as an homage or something,” she recalled.

When she stood her ground, asking to be paid for her time, they kept hounding her until she caved. Anderson finally agreed to do the cameo, but without any dialogue. She showed up at the very end of the movie for a slow-motion scene.

Who will be the next Pamela Anderson between Brooks Nader and Livvy Dunne?

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This Once-Lost Film From a Star Wars Legend Was ‘The Empire Strikes Back’s Dark, Fantastic Opener

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A girl in the woods in Black Angel

The Star Wars universe is expansive, to say the least, but so are the behind-the-scene stories that helped build the franchise to legendary status. It’s common knowledge that George Lucas was inspired to make his fairytale-in-space in the image of Akira Kurosawa‘s iconic film The Hidden Fortress, implementing similar power struggles and underdog characters. Fans are well aware that Harrison Ford wasn’t the initial choice for Han Solo, much like how Darth Vader’s true identity was kept secret from the cast and crew. However, Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back holds an even more shocking story that was once lost from the space saga forever!

Roger Christian, legendary set decorator for Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope and art director of Alien, has a deep connection to Star Wars beyond his production design. George Lucas requested a film to go out with The Empire Strikes Back. At the time, Lucas read a fantasy script written by Christian and commissioned it on the spot, which gave birth to the once-lost short film Black Angel. The short has since become a notorious piece of cinematic history that influenced the visual and tonal elements of the darkest installment of Star Wars.

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‘Black Angel’ Was Supposed to Accompany the Beginning of ‘The Empire Strikes Back’

A girl in the woods in Black Angel
A girl in the woods in Black Angel
Image via 20th Century Fox

Hailed as one of the greatest sequels in the film industry, The Empire Strikes Back is one of the most beloved installments of the Star Wars franchise, and for a good reason. The sequel represents a giant tonal shift from A New Hope, following Luke Skywalker down a gloomy journey toward facing his worst fear yet — his father, Darth Vader. The film’s dark emotional content, psychologically jarring scenes, and near-tragic climax are still celebrated after forty-four years, but little is mentioned of how Lucas became inspired by his set director’s short film.

According to BBC, Roger Christian already had a film script ready to go when the Star Wars director asked for a film to accompany the epic sequel. It just so happens that Christian went back to film school after working on A New Hope and wrote a feature-length story. Lucas loved the idea so much that he gave the thumbs up to Christian immediately, and the project received a 25,000-pound grant from the UK government in 1979! The Oscar-winning set decorator extracted pieces of his original story, thus creating a short titled Black Angel. “I headed to Scotland with a crew of nine people, four actors, two trained horses, and a Volkswagon bus,” recalls Roger Christian in the introductory commentary of Black Angel.













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Collider Exclusive · Star Wars Quiz
Which Force User
Are You?

Light Side · Dark Side · Or Somewhere Between
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The Force is not a binary. It is a spectrum — from the serene halls of the Jedi Temple to the shadowed corridors of Sith space. Ten questions will reveal where you truly fall. The Force has always known. Now you will too.

🔵Jedi Master

🟡Padawan

🔴Sith Lord

Inquisitor

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Grey Jedi

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01

What is the Force to you?
Your relationship with the Force defines everything else.




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02

When you feel strong emotions — anger, grief, love — what do you do?
The Jedi suppress. The Sith feed. Others choose differently.




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03

The Jedi Council gives you an order you disagree with. You:
How you handle authority reveals your alignment.




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04

You are offered forbidden knowledge that could give you enormous power. The cost is crossing a moral line. You:
The dark side’s pull is never more than a choice away.




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05

Your approach to training and learning is:
A student’s habits become a master’s character.




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06

In a duel, your lightsaber fighting style reflects:
Combat is the purest expression of a Force user’s philosophy.




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07

A defeated enemy lies at your feet, powerless. You:
Mercy — or its absence — is the truest test of alignment.




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08

The Jedi Code forbids attachment. Your honest view on love and bonds:
The source of the greatest falls in the galaxy.




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09

Why do you use the Force at all? What’s the point?
Purpose is the difference between a knight and a weapon.




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10

At the final moment — light side or dark side pulling at you — what wins?
In the end, every Force user faces this moment. What does yours look like?




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Your Alignment Has Been Determined
Your Place in the Force

The scores below reveal how the Force sees you. Your highest number is your true alignment. Read on to understand what that means — and what it will cost you.

🔵
Jedi Master

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🟡
Padawan

🔴
Sith Lord


Inquisitor


Grey Jedi

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Disciplined, compassionate, and deeply attuned to the living Force, you have walked the path long enough to understand its demands — and accept them. You lead not through authority alone, but through example. You have felt the pull of the dark side and chosen otherwise, every time. That is not certainty. That is courage.

You are earnest, powerful, and brimming with potential — and you know it, which is both your greatest asset and your most dangerous flaw. You act before you think, trust your gut over your training, and sometimes confuse impatience for bravery. The Masters see something in you, though. The question isn’t whether you have what it takes — it’s whether you’ll be patient enough to find out.

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You are not simply dangerous — you are certain, and that is worse. You have decided what the galaxy needs, and you have decided you are the one to deliver it. Your power is genuine and formidable, earned through sacrifice that would have broken lesser beings. But examine your victories carefully. Every Sith believed their cause was righteous. The dark side’s cruelest trick is that it agrees with you.

You were forged in fire and reshaped by those who found you at your lowest. You serve, because service gave you structure when you had none. Your allegiance is not to an ideology — it is to survival and to the master who gave you purpose. But there is something buried beneath the conditioning. The Jedi you hunt? You recognize them. Because you remember what it felt like before the choice was taken from you.

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You have looked at the Jedi Code and the Sith Code and found both of them incomplete. You walk the line not out of indecision but out of conviction — you genuinely believe both extremes miss something essential. The Jedi don’t fully trust you. The Sith think you’re wasting your potential. They’re both partially right. But so are you.

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The film marked Chrisitian’s directorial debut, and he was lucky enough to shoot with leftover rolls of film from Empire at several never-before-seen locations in Scotland, states USA Today. The production was filmed in seven days and took place in September and October, the most beautiful time in the Highlands, which gave Black Angel its surreal and magical backdrop. To accentuate the power of myth, Christian was inspired by Andrei Tarkovsky‘s concept of connecting to the subconscious. Set in a mythic, medieval world, the 25-minute short follows Sir Maddox (Tony Vogel), a medieval knight who journeys to rescue a young maiden (Patricia Christian) from an evil sorcerer, the Black Angel. This dark and moody tale draws heavily from Arthurian legends, with striking, majestic visuals and an otherworldly atmosphere that made it unique in its day.

In 1980, The Empire Strikes Back was released in theaters worldwide, but Black Angel was only shown before the main feature in select cinemas across Europe and Australia. The short caused quite a buzz back then, enamoring John Boorman, who showed it to his Excabliur crew. Tragically, Rank Laboratories, the company that stored Christian’s masters, went bankrupt and threw everything away, states Screen Daily. Because of this, Black Angel was never seen by an American audience. Christian did have his own copy, but it was “degraded.” Black Angel disappeared for decades, becoming almost mythical among Star Wars fans and film historians alike.

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The Original ‘Black Angel’ Negative Was Miraculously Found and Restored 20 Years Later

Just like its legendary story, Black Angel‘s negative was miraculously found like a fairytale. Per Screen Daily, in 2011, by pure luck, an archivist rediscovered the short in the Universal Studios archives. “The neg turned up about a year and a half ago by sheer destiny. Rank Laboratories, who had the negative, kept them in WW2 bunkers outside London because they said it was perfectly dry and secure,” boasts Christian. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the once-lost short was restored by the Bay Area Visual Effects Society and Emeryville frame-by-frame and went on to be screened at the Mill Valley Festival and Glasgow Festival.

After its global release, Black Angel triggered a critical frenzy. The relic’s restoration allowed new audiences to witness this forgotten gem and to connect its obvious ties to the darker, more mature aesthetic of The Empire Strikes Back. George Lucas also utilized Christian’s step-printed style in the slowed-down fight scenes between the Black Angel and the knight. The slow-motion fight sequence with Luke and Darth Vander uses the same technique. Beyond its association with Lucasfilm, Black Angel became influential in its own right. The ethereal cinematography and haunting score echoed themes of chivalry, otherworldliness, and a struggle against dark forces, said to impact the visual palette of Ridley Scott‘s Legend, whom Christian worked with in the past and can be seen in many fantasy films afterward.

The restoration and revival of Black Angel has allowed modern cinephiles to appreciate this once-forgotten piece of Star Wars history. In 2015, Roger Christian announced his intention to make the legendary short into a feature-length film. Speaking to EW, Christian revealed his plans to finance the Black Angel feature independently with a goal of $15 million. He later launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise $100,000, setting eyes on filming in Hungary, Belgium, and Morocco. The campaign raised $177,010, though production still has not begun on the movie. The latest update came in a comment from Christian in 2024, where he said he expected filming to begin after setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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“I feel like Luke staring at the two twin suns and there’s your destiny ahead of you and you have to take it or not—the same as Arthur pulling the sword out. I reckon I’ll pull the sword out,” the filmmaker said to EW. Black Angel‘s blend of ancient myth, heroism, and dreamlike scenery has solidified its place as a cult classic, touching the hearts of fans and renowned directors who admire fantasy and medieval storytelling. Today, the once-forgotten short, Black Angel, stands as a monument to Roger Christian’s imaginative artistry and as a piece of Star Wars “lost and found history.”

Black Angel is available to watch on the film’s official YouTube page.


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Black Angel

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Release Date

May 21, 1980

Runtime
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25 Minutes

Director

Roger Christian

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Writers

Roger Christian

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Cast

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    Patricia Christian

    Maiden

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Former inmate speaks out about Mackenzie Shirilla and “The Crash”: 'Nothing like who I saw in there at all'

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The convicted murderer was “always smiling and happy — like it was never on her mind that … she killed two people,” according to a former inmate.

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The Duffer Brothers’ New Series ‘The Boroughs’ Is Netflix’s Latest Sci-Fi Gem

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The Boroughs Netflix Wally Sam Experimenting

Upside Down Pictures’ string of post-Stranger Things releases continues with Netflix’s new 8-part sci-fi, The Boroughs. If you expected it to be another Spielbergian pastiche, just with older people as the heroes rather than children, then you’re only half right. The Boroughs is both a mystery and a memento mori. When “The Grey Rebellion,” fronted by Alfred Molina, uncovers an otherworldly threat preying on the residents of their senior living facility, they embark on a dangerous pursuit and are asked to confront not just how to kill a monster, but how far they are willing to go to revisit their youth.

What Is ‘The Boroughs’ About?

Sam Cooper (Molina), a retired aeronautical engineer, moves into The Boroughs — an idyllic 1950s idea of community that’s so perfect it becomes eerie. His wife Lily (Jane Kaczmarek) had opted for the couple to make the transition, but prematurely died of a stroke, and Cooper is locked into his contract to stay in “God’s waiting room.” Cantankerous and reclusive, Sam initially rejects meeting his fellow neighbors, but when pushed by Bill Pullman’s Jack, he attends a welcome BBQ.

Here, Sam meets Judy (Alfre Woodard) and Art (Clarke Peters). Judy is a journalist who stalks each new resident online because she misses being on the beat. Art is a marijuana enthusiast who claims he tees off on the golf course each morning but is really tending to his hallucinogens in the desert and has a therapeutic relationship with a crow. Geena Davis plays Renee, a glamorous teacher at the community center who drives a convertible and turns the heads of even the younger employees. There’s also Wally (Denis O’Hare), a skilled doctor who was at the forefront of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s and is the comic relief of the core team.

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Socializing proves too much for Sam, who is still in the raw stages of grief, so he runs home and breaks down on his front porch. Pullman’s Jack comforts him by saying, “Grief makes your past feel too close to your future,” reinforcing the idea that you really do begin a new life at The Boroughs. While the premiere is hopeful and the pair look set to become best buds, later that evening, Sam has to break into Jack’s home and wrestle a monster off him.

‘The Boroughs’ Is Another Spielberg Pastiche From the Duffer Brothers, and It Works

The Boroughs Netflix Wally Sam Experimenting
The Boroughs Netflix Upside Down Pictures Wally Sam Experimenting
Image via Netflix

While created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews (The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance), The Boroughs is a product of Upside Down Pictures and executive produced by the Duffer Brothers. The pair saw unprecedented success with their first series, Stranger Things, which was Netflix’s flagship sci-fi for a decade. Their own filmic interests and childhood favorites inform much of their work, and the pair note Steven Spielberg and Stephen King as large influences. The Boroughs continues this tradition of honoring elements of sci-fi stories that came before, and the familiar is immediately immersive.

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The Boroughs begins like The Truman Show — the homes are carbon copies of each other, everything is in pastel, and the staff seems to be indoctrinated, talking to the residents in a patronizing, childlike manner. There’s a cult-like, religious, almost Stepford quality to the neighborhood, which has everyone reciting, “You’ll have the time of your life!” Each home is fitted with a hard-wired communication device, akin to 2001’s HAL, named Seraphim. The managerial team, Blaine (Seth Numrich) and Anneliese Shaw (Alice Kremelberg), are too pristine to trust and are seen watching monochrome classics throughout (including Double Indemnity, famous for femme fatales and secret plots).

It’s going to be nigh on impossible to shake the Stranger Things comparisons with anything produced by Upside Down Pictures, but it is a lazy comparison; The Boroughs deserves more than to be discussed as a copy. It clearly borrows its charm from sci-fi conventions and has the same DNA, but it works.


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‘Stranger Things’ Creators’ New Sci-Fi Series Gets a Spooky Preview Before It Hits Netflix Tonight [Exclusive]

‘The Boroughs’ premieres this week on Netflix.

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Netflix’s ‘The Boroughs’ Puts a New Spin on Sci-Fi Heroes

The Boroughs treats its older characters with respect from the off. It refuses to infantilize or depict them through stereotypical images of retirement. Instead, they are active, intelligent, and resilient with ongoing emotional lives. After 45 years, Art and Judy’s relationship is strained due to her interest in another man, and Art’s busy puffing away on his Blue Dream weed — hardly the actions of has-beens. (Although dialogue is creatively muffled in some scenes until Art puts his hearing aids in!) The series directly challenges the notion that old age means decline and that youth is something to be clung to. However, The Boroughs frames prolonging life as something seductive but ultimately unsustainable, as it is wrong to disrupt the fullness of life’s arc.

At times, The Boroughs is an emotional watch due to its sharp commentary on real-world dynamics. What’s more terrifying than the monsters is how older voices are suppressed, manipulated, and dismissed as dementia. In the neighborhood, this works in favor of the show’s most insidious threat, as anyone heard discussing otherworldly beings is institutionalized in “The Manor,” a central medical hub that supervises those with the most complex needs.

In stories like these, it’s usually children who find themselves at the center of the mystery, and there is a nostalgic pull to that as the world is still waiting to be discovered. Society ignores both older people and children, assuming they are incapable, yet they are the ones who can see what others cannot, which makes them effective in sci-fi stories. The Boroughs forces viewers to confront their own future. We want the group to succeed, and not just because it makes for a triumphant ending. If Sam, Wally, Renee, Art, and Judy can remain perceptive, brave, and capable in a world that has already written them off, then aging itself becomes less frightening.

In the final third of the story, however, the show’s conflict becomes less straightforward. What first seems like simple horror starts to connect to The Boroughs’ bigger questions about the cost of extending life beyond its natural limits, and this sometimes diverts attention away from the main quest. The story moves away from a clear good-versus-evil setup, and a simpler version with a hero and villain might have felt more satisfying, even if it meant losing some of the deeper ideas and ambiguity the series deliberately leans into.

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The Boroughs also includes flashbacks to Sam’s wife to explore his grief, and his panic attacks and visions of her underline how deeply her absence affects him. However, this can sometimes feel unnecessary, as his emotional state is already clearly established through his behavior and dialogue. Other characters, such as Wally, Art, Judy, and Renee, have equally rich potential backstories that are only heard rather than seen. While Wally’s experiences of loss during the AIDS crisis and Renee’s past as a music executive are touched on, depth could have been distributed more evenly across the ensemble rather than focused so heavily on Sam. Even so, the cast remains one of the show’s strongest elements. O’Hare’s Wally, in particular, provides comedy throughout without undermining the horror stakes — whether it’s packing a tote bag for the mission with granola bars and a meat cleaver or playing a YouTube tutorial to pick a lock at the funeral parlor.

Despite some later narrative choices around the monsters feeling more complex than expected, The Boroughs remains a magical sci-fi adventure about an unlikely group of heroes standing up for themselves in later life. Beneath its mystery, it becomes a moving exploration of grief that challenges how we think about old age and the inevitability of death. To answer Jack’s question to Sam in the premiere — “What do you do with the time you’ve got left?” — nothing seems more exciting than monster hunting.

The Boroughs is now streaming on Netflix.


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Release Date

May 21, 2026

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Netflix

Showrunner

Jeffrey Addiss, Will Matthews

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Directors

Augustine Frizzell, Kyle Patrick Alvarez, Ben Taylor

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Pros & Cons
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  • Alfred Molina leads a captivating ensemble cast of aging heroes.
  • The Boroughs honors elements of sci-fi stories that came before and the familiar immediately immerses you.
  • The series directly challenges the notion that old age means decline and that youth is something to be clung to.
  • The story moves away from a clear good vs. evil setup, and a simpler version with a hero and villain might have felt more satisfying.
  • Wally, Art, Judy, and Renee have potentially rich backstories that are only heard and not seen.

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‘Married to Medicine’ Star Dr. Heavenly Kimes Loses Georgia Congressional Race

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Dr. Heavenly Kimes

Dr. Heavenly Kimes

‘Married to Medicine’ Star Dr. Heavenly Kimes Loses Georgia Congressional Race

Married to Medicine star Dr. Heavenly Kimes is speaking out after conceding in Georgia’s Democratic primary election for the U.S. House of Representatives.

Heavenly Kimes

The Atlanta-based cosmetic dentist announced Tuesday, May 19, that she was ending her campaign after finishing second in the race for Georgia’s 13th Congressional District. Kimes competed against five other Democratic candidates and ultimately lost to Rep. Jasmine Clark.

Dr. Heavenly Kimes

Clark, who has represented Georgia House District 108 since 2019, secured more than 50 percent of the vote in the primary, according to NBC News. She is now set to face Republican candidate Jonathan James Chavez in the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Chavez advanced after running unopposed in the Republican primary.

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Married to Medicine

Following the election results, Kimes shared a message with supporters on Instagram, reflecting on the campaign and congratulating Clark on her victory.

“This is not over — we’re going to come back. I’ve already called Jasmine Clark and congratulated the queen,” Kimes said in a video posted to social media. “I’m sure she’ll do an amazing job. I’m so proud of her, but I’m also proud of you. We did something different; we made history.”

Heavenly Kimes

The reality television star also thanked the people who supported her throughout the campaign, including volunteers, donors and voters who helped spread her message across the district.

“No matter what, I am so proud of what we built together,” she wrote alongside the video. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everybody that believed in me, prayed for me, donated, volunteered, canvassed, texted, called voters, put up signs, and stood beside me through this journey.”

Dr. Heavenly Kimes

Kimes continued by highlighting what she viewed as accomplishments during the race despite the loss.

“We came in second place. We beat elected officials. We built a real movement. And most importantly, we showed that everyday people still have a voice,” she added.

Her husband, Dr. Damon Kimes, appeared beside her in the video as she delivered her remarks. Kimes publicly thanked him for supporting her during the demanding campaign season and acknowledged the sacrifices made by her family throughout the process.

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She credited her husband for “every sacrifice, every late night, every prayer, every conversation and all the time he poured into helping me through this process.”

Kimes also expressed gratitude to her children, thanking them for “sacrificing time with me while we fought for something bigger than ourselves.”

Several supporters and fellow Bravo personalities flooded the comments section following her concession speech, including her “Married to Medicine” castmate Dr. Jackie Walters.

Dr. Jackie Walters

Walters praised Kimes in a supportive message, writing that she is a “rockstar” before adding, “This is only the beginning for you.”

The race for Georgia’s 13th Congressional District followed the death of longtime Congressman David Scott, who represented the district beginning in 2003. Scott died on April 22 at the age of 80, leaving the seat vacant.

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Before his death, Scott had reportedly been leading in recent polling. At the time of his passing, Kimes honored the late congressman with a public tribute recognizing his years of service to the district.

She described Scott as a “dedicated advocate for his community, working to uplift families, support economic growth and champion issues that mattered to the people he served.”

Kimes first revealed her political ambitions last summer when she exclusively shared with PEOPLE that she intended to run for Georgia state representative in District 93. However, in March, she announced that she had shifted her focus and would instead seek federal office by entering the congressional race for District 13.

At the time of her announcement, Kimes emphasized that she viewed herself as someone outside of traditional politics and framed her campaign around public service and advocacy.

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“I’m not a career politician. I’m a mom, a doctor, a business owner — and I’m not afraid to stand up for what I believe in,” she said in a statement. “I’m running to serve, and I’m ready to work.”

Although her congressional campaign has come to an end for now, Kimes told supporters in her concession message that she plans to continue moving forward after what she described as a historic run.

 

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Cheyenne Bryant Sparks Debate Over Credentials After New Post

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Cheyenne Bryant Shares Message Happiness Miserable People Social Media Reactions Doctor Credentials

Cheyenne Bryant is continuing to stand behind her “doctor” brand, pushing her book and encouraging “happiness” among her followers. Meanwhile, the internet still hasn’t let the conversation about her doctor credentials go. The jokes, skits, opinions from industry professionals and even commentary from foes like Brooke Bailey have continued on. Yet, in her recent post, Bryant is giving unbothered and reminding her followers that “powerful people” expose “small broken people.”

RELATED: Oop! The Internet Continues To Question Whether Cheyenne Bryant Is A “Real Doctor” After She Defends Her Credentials (VIDEO)

Cheyenne Bryant Shares Post About Happiness & Inspiring Others 

On Tuesday (May 19), Cheyenne Bryant shared a video on Instagram, enjoying what appears to be a cup of coffee in a public place. She appears to be speaking to someone. However, it’s unclear what she’s saying because the audio is muted and the song ‘Love, Need And Want You’ was added to the post. But in the caption, Cheyenne didn’t hold back! She encouraged her supporters to “just be happy” because “that alone makes miserable people mad.”

“Your confidence, your peace, your joy, your abundance it forces insecure people to confront everything they’re not. Powerful people unintentionally expose how small broken people feel inside, and instead of growing, some people resent what reflects their lack. But that’s not your burden to carry.”

Bryant added, “You are not responsible for shrinking yourself to make insecure people comfortable. Stay big…Stay powerful…Stay joyful. Stay blessed. 💋 The right people will be inspired by your light. The bitter ones will be irritated by it. Either way shine anyway.” She ended her message with the hashtag #DrCheyenneBryant. At the end of the video, she teased her new book, ‘Live Your Promise.’

Bryant’s Comment Section Is Divided About Her Message

#DrCheyenneBryant’s post pulled in a little over 800 comments, but more than 24,000 likes. Some of her supporters did exactly what supporters do! However, quite a few comments called out the tone of the message, again pointing to questions about her credentials. Others gave her props for the advice she puts out, regardless of whether her academic journey was real or not.

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@simplygorg30uz commented, “🤍😍 CAPTION ON POINT & YOUR LOOK IS ON (PERIOD) ! U LOOK FIRE 🔥🔥!! & KEEP INSPIRING 😍🤍”

“I love how unbothered u are❤️,” @chiefkenny_ wrote.

@sheispepper added, “No one is mad about your happiness. People are mad about the fake Doctorate, no licensure and the attitude about it all. Typical stance of the guilty. Label anyone opposing you a hater. Chile.”

“Loving this level of unbotheredness! 😀🙌🏾 They can stay mad! Keep going Sis! 💪🏾,” @infrared78 said.

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“Can’t take away the fact that everything that came out this woman’s mouth was 100% factz. title or no title she was speaking gems hence the reason why we all took to her,” @sxysweet commented.

“This has to be some type of mental illness…,” @erickaarmstrong wrote.

“Degree or no degree she still speaks facts ✨🤏🏼,” @qxeb__ wrote.

“Oh girrrl they so bothered seeing you unbothered!! ❤️❤️❤️ Keep it going DR. BRYANT!!!!😍😍😍😍😍,” @kweenpuresoul added.

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RELATED: Sheesh! Brooke Bailey Reportedly Throws Jabs At Cheyenne Bryant With Message About “Honesty” In The Mental Health Community

“No, what’s making people mad is your lack of accountability. No self-awareness, no self-reflection — just heavy in your DARVO bag,” @sweet_belizean_girl wrote.

“The truth doesn’t care who tells it. You’ve been a very pivotal person in mental health. Keep thriving and inspiring others. People are listening even when they are pretending not to.✨,” @lifewkenalise commented.

“She needs to have Jay-Z’s track—”Can’t Knock the Hustle” playing in the background. I peeped game and ain’t mad at all. This the perfect example of it is what it is. Get over it, and thank you for the exposure. Either you’re up on game or you’re not. Legal loopholes run the world,” @rblack80 said.

“You are NOT happy but miserable AF that’s why you had to project a PHONY persona and label yourself a DR. You and your audience is uneducated and have low self esteem,” @iamnot4everybody9 wrote.

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Comment Section Reactions Continued…

“If you still believe she is a Psychologist (without any evidence of Dissertation, Degrees) rather than a Life Coach. Than you are the delusional one,” @loveforlife_111_ commented.

“My Mentor 🔥❤️😍 Continue to stand in your purpose👏🙌,” @es_the_mogul said.
“Unfollowing. smh :-/” @mrsbnice29 added.

“Lot of ppl not understanding her trick, she has an honorary doctorate, so she can call herself a doctor, but lying about the transcripts is what got her caught up fr fr. Cause id be damned if my 3 cousins who actually have their Doctorate and worked hard for it be outshined by someone who claims to have hers. Truthfully, I was a fan of @_drbryant but the lying is where i draw the line. Even if she took the Dr. from her name or….or just simply say she lied (accountability) then i can rock with her, but she has an honorary doctorate so she not about to stop calling herself that,” @alanabrooks.co commented.

@melanatedmami713 wrote, “Delusional at its finest.” 

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“Nothing professional about this or most things you do. It gives grifter. But its just business for you I see thats why you trademarked the name to use it instead of having the degrees and credentials,” @abredwooddachef said.

“Dr Bryant I know you said you don’t need to prove anything. But baby please silence the noise of the enemy, if you could. One thing I like is when ppl eat their words, cause pride is a tough thing to swallow… fact is ppl will listen to podcast that share bad advice filled with foolish things and still have a degree,” @valuedjewl commented.

“The fact that you r not sorry at all for misleading people is concerning. You also have made it harder for black women to be taken seriously who actually have the credentials that they say they do.😮,” @mandiholmes84 wrote.

“Some of the hate Dr Bryant gets is due to her being beautiful and confident. The audacity of her. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾,” @thebrownskyngyrl said.

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RELATED: She Snapped? Life Coach Dr. Cheyenne Bryant READS Ne-Yo While Assessing His Dating Choices (WATCH)

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Which FBI Stars Are — And Aren’t — Returning for Season 9?

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Missy Peregrym and Zeeko Zaki Tease Whether FBI Characters Maggie and OA Should Date

FBI is returning for season 9 — but is everyone from the cast coming back?

Created by Law & Order creator Dick Wolf, FBI, which premiered in 2018, follows the agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New York City. The personnel have endured their fair share of ups and downs — with Maggie (Missy Peregrym) going through a tragedy when serial slasher Ray DiStefano (Matthew Rauch) kidnapped and killed her sister, Erin (Adrienne Rose Bengtsson).

“I think it’s really important what we’re doing, because we’re highlighting how to move forward. Everybody experiences loss. Everybody goes through the depths of emotions in life,” she explained to Deadline in March. “You have an opportunity to show connection, relationship, intimacy and growth. And this is exactly why I do what I do. I hope this makes people feel seen and that they want to keep going after such a horrific experience, and that they don’t give up.”

Peregrym was hopeful about the plans for the show.

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“To go so far. I was like, ‘What are we doing after this?’ You know, I’ve been playing the same character for eight years, and we’re going so far,” she noted. “What’s the plan? How are we going to move through the next steps of getting back on your feet and being able to be in the world again? We’re not a drama where we sit around in our underwear and chat on the couch. We’ve got to get back to work.”

She concluded, “So at what point are we going to address the reality of this scenario, and we are, we are doing it in the best way that we can with our show, like the way we do it on a procedural. But you know, as much as it scared me, I was terrified to go into that space at the end. I’m finding it really interesting to play my character now and finding these beats of when I can insert this stuff and when to work. And it’s just a challenge. It just feels like we’re doing a new show again. Do you know what I mean? And maybe that’s a gift.”

Keep scrolling to see who else is and isn’t returning to FBI for season 9:

Missy Peregrym

Missy Peregrym and Zeeko Zaki Tease Whether FBI Characters Maggie and OA Should Date
Bennett Raglin/CBS

Peregrym recently denied plans to leave the show after Maggie mourned the loss of her sister.

“I’ll be honest. I’m on a procedural show, and I wonder what impact this is possibly making? And sometimes I get freaked out because I think we’re just highlighting some of the horrors of humanity every week,” Peregrym told Deadline in March. “And what is this? What are we doing this for? What am I investing a lot of my life in to do this for?”

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Zeeko Zaki

Which FBI Stars Are or Are Not Returning for Season 8 Feature
Bennett Raglin/CBS

Zaki’s OA isn’t going anywhere — but his story line will look a little different in season 9 after going undercover.

Jeremy Sisto

FBI Jeremy Sisto Previews Scary 2 Part Fall Finale With Jubal at The Center of the Storm Inline
Bennett Raglin/CBS

Jubal a.k.a Sisto’s fan-favorite character is once again front and center when the show returns.

Alana de la Garza

Which FBI Stars Are or Are Not Returning for Season 8 Isobel
Bennett Raglin/CBS

De la Garza is expected to come back as Isobel after originally joining the show as a guest star in season 1.

John Boyd

Which FBI Stars Are or Are Not Returning for Season 8 Scola
Bennett Raglin/CBS

It is very likely that if Boyd’s Scola left FBI then the fans would riot — so there isn’t any concern that he won’t return.

Juliana Aiden Martinez

Law and Order SVU's Juliana Aiden Martinez Breaks Silence on Exit, Return
Bennett Raglin/CBS

After joining the show in season 8, Martinez expressed her hope that she would remain on the show as Eva Ramos.

“Before I came into the show, I sat down with showrunner Mike Weiss and told me who he was thinking Eva was going to be. That was really the deciding factor for me to be like, ‘Yes, this is something that’s very interesting to me. This is something that I think I can offer and give value to and make it exciting and different,’” she exclusively told Us Weekly. “When you join a new show, you get the opportunity to do something different. It was definitely like, ‘OK, how can you show different sides of a profession? How can you show how different women approach something differently?’”

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13 Sun Care Products from CVS for a Skin-Healthy Summer

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13 Sun Care Products from CVS for a Skin-Healthy Summer

Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!

Sponsored content. Us Weekly receives compensation for this article as well as for purchases made when you click on a link and buy something below.

Getting outside every day is a huge priority when the summer weather is that good. But — and we know you’ve heard it a thousand times — you must protect your skin. That’s why we’re glad to have a one-stop shop for all things suncare at CVS.

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Sure, the first step is having a quality sun protection factor (SPF) that shields from ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, aka causes of wrinkles and sunburn, respectively. But your sunscreen needs to go beyond the basics, so every inch of your body gets the defense it so desperately needs in the summer sun. So, don’t forget about your lips, scalp and beyond!

CVS Products to Protect Skin From the Sun 

1. Our Favorite: With SPF 60 and up to 80 minutes of sweat and water resistance, the Aveeno Protect+ Hydrate Sunscreen has your body covered. It hydrates your skin while still feeling weightless, so you won’t dread having to reapply.

2. Lip Balm Babe: Yes, your lips can get sunburnt, too. With Sun Bum lip balm, you’ll get SPF 30 protection and a kissable coconut pucker.

3. Ace Face: It’s a smart idea to have a separate SPF for your face, as a heavy-formula body one can feel greasy and clog your pores. This Neutrogena face sunscreen has an invisible look, so you won’t look like a ghost on the beach.

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4. Trusty Tint: You might not want to wear heavy makeup in the summer, so this e.l.f. skin tint really comes in handy. It comes in 18 flexible shades and offers coverage and SPF 50.

5. Terrific Tan: One of the perks of summer is getting a nice tan, but you don’t need the sun to make it happen! Jergens makes the Natural Glow Face Moisturizer that’s a face sunscreen and natural-looking tanner in one.

6. Must-Have Moisturizer: You won’t have to add an extra step into your skincare routine, thanks to the Olay Complete moisturizer that offers SPF 30. Your skin will feel hydrated and tackle visible signs of aging at the same time.

7. Baby Approved: Little ones have sensitive skin, so having a separate baby lotion sunscreen is a good idea. This one is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and oil-free.

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8. Serious Serum: While you’re working on improving the look of fine lines and dark spots, you can add SPF to your face, too. The La Roche-Posay serum is doing multiple jobs at once.

9. Fine Line Fighter: The magic in the Eucerin skin tint is that it works with any skin tone. It evens out the face, provides SPF 50 and uses hyaluronic acid to hydrate and smooth.

10. Optimal Oil: For an alternative way to protect your skin, this non-greasy chardonnay oil is a lightweight option that hydrates at the same time. Plus, the bottle is travel-friendly, so you can throw it in your carry-on bag for vacation.

11. Shielded Scalp: Even if you wear a hat when you’re outside, this Sun Bum mist was specifically designed to protect your scalp and hair. Don’t worry — its non-greasy formula won’t wreak havoc on your strands.

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12. Travel Ready: If the sun is your enemy, you can’t get much more protected than with Neutrogena’s SPF 100+ — yes, really! Still, this sunscreen is ultra-sheer and dries to the touch so that it can be worn every day.

13. Simple Spray: Tired of greasy hands? This clear sunscreen spray goes on easily. Plus, the price is especially good for the value-sized can!

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Will Smith’s Ex-Pal Loses Case And Money To Jada Pinkett Smith

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Jada Pinkett Smith at Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Jada Pinkett Smith has emerged victorious in a shocking lawsuit filed against her by Will Smith‘s former pal.

The actress got dragged to court last year when a man named Bilaal Salaam accused her of threats, harassment, and more. He sued her for $3 million in damages.

Jada Pinkett Smith denied all allegations of wrongdoing and pushed to have the claims against her dismissed.

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Jada Pinkett Smith at Late Show with Stephen Colbert
RCF / MEGA

According to new reports, Jada and Bilaal’s legal drama has ended in the actress’s favor. The latter was ordered by the court to cough up $32,836 in legal fees after Jada initially requested that Bilaal pay $49,181.

TMZ reported that the order for Bilaal to cover Jada’s attorney fees came after she successfully convinced the judge to dismiss some of Bilaal’s claims. When he sued Jada in 2025, he claimed he had suffered emotional distress due to her actions.

Bilaal implied he had no issues with Will, claiming the actor’s team had called him to help with damage control after the infamous Oscars slap incident. However, Jada and her associates became aggressive towards him when they discovered he was working on a memoir that would detail his experiences with the Smith family.

Inside The Accuser’s $3 Million Lawsuit

Jada Pinkett Smith at
Jeffrey Mayer/JTMPhotos, Int’l. / MEGA

When Bilaal filed his allegations against Jada, he did so in November 2025, asking for $3 million in damages. The outlet reported that he described himself as a longtime friend of Will for almost 40 years, allegedly working together on several professional and personal projects.

Bilaal’s issues with Jada allegedly began in September 2021 at the private birthday gathering for Will’s 53rd birthday party in a Calabasas movie theater. He claimed he was approached by Jada and seven people from her entourage.

The plaintiff accused Jada of becoming “verbally aggressive,” warning that he would “end up missing or catch a bullet” if he kept telling people about her business. Bilaal even claimed Jada wanted him to sign an NDA or face dire consequences.

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Bilaal Salaam Failed To Get A Restraining Order Against The Actress

LA Premiere Of Lionsgate apos s quot Angel Has Fallen quot - Arrivals
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Months before Bilaal was ordered to pay Jada’s legal fees, The Blast reported in February that he had lost his bid for a restraining order. Bilaal and Jada had faced off in court, each testifying, and the judge concluded that there was insufficient evidence for a permanent restraining order.

Bilaal had attempted to get the order banning Jada from coming within 100 yards of him or harassing him after painting a dire picture. He claimed his life was in danger and he had experienced extreme stress, anxiety, and humiliation because of the TV personality.

According to Bilaal, he even relocated from the country at one point because he feared Jada would make good on her threats to harm him. Bilaal doubled down on being the victim of emotional distress, claiming he suffered from sleeplessness, depression, and constant fear for his safety.

The Plaintiff Blamed His Weight Gain On The Entertainer

Jada Pinkett Smith Shares SHOCKING Hair Growth After Years Battling Alopecia
Instagram | Jada Pinkett Smith

Bilaal’s accusations against Jada did not end after the restraining order loss, with The Blast sharing in April that he had filed new allegations against her. Bilaal argued that he gained significant weight because of the highly publicized case.

According to Bilaal’s claims, the publicity from the legal drama with Jada caused him emotional distress, which in turn led to him gaining weight. He even claimed that the pounds he added ultimately cost him a romantic relationship.

Bilaal reiterated that he had to temporarily leave US soil because he feared for his safety due to Jada’s alleged threats. However, Jada fired back with a strong rebuttal, stressing that Bilaal had failed to provide evidence connecting her to his alleged emotional distress and suffering.

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Instagram | Jada Pinkett Smith

The same month Bilaal blamed his weight gain on Jada, The Blast reported that the entertainer had faced backlash for her comments. The drama began when she addressed her controversial relationship with singer August Alsina during her complicated marriage to Will.

The “Gotham” star reflected on the fallout of addressing the relationship on her “Red Table Talk” show with Will, implying she had intentionally painted herself as the bad guy. “If I’ve got to look like the adulterous wife to make sure you’re good, I’mma do it,” Jada said.

Her words did not sit right with fans, who called her out on social media platforms like X. Many saw Jada’s words as an attempt to downplay her adultery, while others slammed her for trying to paint herself as the bigger person in the situation. 

Will Jada Pinkett Smith keep butting heads with Will Smith’s former pal?

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